Veterans Honor Guard of the Tri-Cities

03/17/2026

03/08/2026

02/28/2026

Do you have an American flag that is worn, torn, or faded and needs to be retired respectfully?
We’re proud to support our community and country by offering a flag disposal barrel in our lobby at both Farris Funeral Service and Forest Hills Memory Gardens.
Stop by during business hours and place your old flags in the barrel and we’ll ensure they are handled with the dignity they deserve.
Farris Funeral Service
427 E. Main Street
Abingdon, VA 24210
Forest Hills Memory Gardens
19415 Lee Highway
Abingdon, VA 24210
Thank you for helping us honor the symbol of our freedom!
https://www.defense.gov/News/Feature-Stories/Story/Article/2206946/how-to-properly-dispose-of-worn-out-us-flags/

02/23/2026

The iconic Iwo Jima Flag Raising occurred on this day in 1945. Of the men in the photograph Sergeant Michael Strank, Corporal Harlon Block, and Private First Class Franklin Sousley were all killed in action. The other three Marines in the photograph were Corporals (then Privates First Class) Ira Hayes, Harold Schultz, and Harold Keller. These men all served as members of the 5th Marine Division.
This flag raising was the second that occurred atop Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima towards the end of the Pacific War. This image quickly became the symbol of the resilience of the US Marines during WWII. The photo was taken by Joe Rosenthal.

02/18/2026

🇺🇸 Did you know?
The average age of an honor guard member in the United States is 77 years old—and many honor guards proudly serve alongside members in their 80s and even 90s.

These men and women have already given so much in service to our country… and yet, they continue to stand at attention—ensuring every veteran receives the final honors they have earned.

But today, a national crisis is quietly unfolding.

Across the country, honor guards are facing a growing shortage. Many of these dedicated volunteers are becoming ill, slowing down, or passing away. And while younger veterans are stepping forward to take their place, there simply aren’t enough to meet the rising need.

Every day, more families are requesting military honors. Every day, honor guards are doing everything they can to keep up.

We cannot let this tradition fade.

Operation Honor Guard is working to:
• Recruit and support the next generation of honor guard members
• Provide uniforms, rifles, flags, and training
• Ensure every veteran receives a dignified farewell

If you are a veteran—or know one—your service is still needed.
If you’re able to support our mission, your help makes a real and lasting difference.

👉 Visit OperationHonorGuard.us to learn more, get involved, or support our mission.

Let’s stand together to ensure that no veteran is ever laid to rest without the honor they deserve.

🇺🇸

02/14/2026

02/11/2026

🇺🇸 Military Funeral Fact You May Not Know

Did you know that by law, every eligible U.S. veteran is entitled to a military funeral honors ceremony — including the playing of Taps and the folding and presentation of the American flag?

Under federal law, the U.S. Department of Defense is required to provide a minimum of two uniformed service members for the ceremony. At least one must represent the veteran’s branch of service.

What many people don’t realize, however, is that in communities across the country, volunteer honor guards often step in to provide additional ceremonial support — standing watch, rendering rifle volleys, and ensuring that no veteran is laid to rest without dignity and respect.

These volunteers give their time freely, often traveling long distances, simply because they believe every veteran deserves to be honored.

It’s not just tradition. It’s a final salute.

12/25/2025